Discernible drop in alcohol use

There has been a discernible reduction in alcohol consumption with the implementation of the Mathata Thitha programme, Chief Government Whip and Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told Parliament yesterday.

He said excise taxes were being increased progressively.

No new liquor permits have been issued, he said.

The Minister was answering an oral question raised by MP R.P. Ranaweera.